We have talked and talked and talked about getting a dog since being married. After moving to Phoenix we crept closer and closer to making that decision, but we never made the plunge. Animal Shelters and Humane Societies were visited. Dogs were played with and talked about but no dog really picked us, if that makes sense.
We had too many reasons not to get a dog: apartment pet fees, full-time teaching, travel, money, time, etc.
We also knew what we wanted in a dog: minimum shedding, no barking, likes to run, plays hard, sleeps hard, well behaved, and good with people and other dogs. We were in agreement on boxers being the best breed and so B and I made a pact. We would wait 2 years, and then find a breeder.
When my in laws found their dog at Halo Animal Rescue, B accompanied them to pick up the new addition to their family. As he left that Saturday morning I sort of jokingly said, "Hey text me if they have any boxers up to 3 years old!"
He texted me a picture of himself with a boxer (check). His little face melted my puppy hungry heart.
We texted back and forth and he finally called me and said, "I think you'll love him. Do you want a really cool early birthday present?"
I ran to the car and sped down to Halo. B was outside with the adoption counselor and the dog. I opened the gate and the dog ran up to me to say hi. We looked at each other. He picked us. We couldn't believe it as we filled out the paperwork and waited for them to chip him. We decided on Zeus for his name as we stood in the hall.
He got in the car and B drove us home. He was so excited. He sniffed around the apartment and didn't skip a beat in climbing up on the couch. We soon found out that he was a big ol' lover (check). He cuddled us and napped (check) and honestly seemed very adjusted in a very short time. That night we had a school fundraiser. I didn't want him to be left alone on his first night so he came with us! The kids LOVED him. He was so good. He sat at our feet as we ate and never whined or jumped up or begged (check). During the dodgeball tournament of the evening he played with a basketball and didn't leave my side once. He didn't even flinch when a rogue ball hit him square in the leg. He even started falling asleep standing up (check).
Zeus has been ours for a month now and he seriously could not be a more perfect dog for us. He loves when we come home from work (his butt wiggles all over the place). He is house trained, and such a fast learner. He knows how to sit, shake, lay down, jump up (but not on), stand, and kisses. He sits and waits for his leash to be put on and for food to be in his bowl.
Zeus is a straight up mama's boy. He butt must always be touching me. He's gaining weight (we can still see those ribs) and he loves the car!
Zeus loves:
- running
- birds
- balls
- bones
- his rope toy
- mom
- food
- dad
- sticking his head out the window
- going "outside"
- people
- dogs
- sleeping
- hiking
- frozen berries
- peanut butter
Zeus does not like:
- mom's attempts of privacy
- when mom leaves...ever.
- the vacuum
- being hungry
- being left in the car for the shortest time
- loud noises like metal chairs scraping.
- garbage cans
- getting his ears cleaned
- when his face gets itchy
